Planning Manager

About Innocean

Innocean is the biggest agency you’ve never heard of. With 31 offices and more than 3000 employees in 21 countries. We’re the fastest growing agency network in the world.

Opening doors in Australia in 2008 with two foundation clients; Hyundai and Kia. Since 2020, the Sydney business has been on a mission to diversify our roster which now includes FMCG, NGO, Medical, Tourism and Technology brands, not to mention our own Gender Equality not-for-profit division called Fck the Cupcakes.

We’re a proud and ambitious group of over 50 creatives, strategists, account people, technologists, analysts,  producers and media experts who work together in a collaborative environment. Our passion and focus is building strategic media and creative solutions across all touchpoints on a consumer’s journey to a brand.

We’re proudly Korean, uniquely Australian; striving to create a culture that embraces a Korean concept called ‘Jeong’- an ineffable but mutually warm feeling of attachment between people who share a relationship and common purpose.

This feeling of connection underpins everything we do. It’s how we create bonds between brands and consumers, and between us and our clients. Think of us as an extension of the marketing team- one with strategic, creative, media and CX capabilities, delivering brilliant work that builds brand, changes perceptions, drives connections and delivers results.

About the Role

The Planning Manager will be responsible for developing and executing media strategies that align with client objectives and drive impactful results. This role involves leading a team, managing media budgets, and ensuring the successful implementation of media plans across various channels. The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of media planning and buying processes.

The Planning Manager will be a pivotal player in shaping and executing our media strategies, acting as a strategic partner to both clients and internal teams. This role demands a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution, as you’ll be responsible for translating client goals into actionable media plans that drive engagement and ROI. You will leverage advanced analytics, market insights, and industry best practices to guide your team and ensure that campaigns are not only innovative but also optimized for performance. By staying ahead of industry trends and evolving media landscapes, you’ll help position INNOCEAN at the forefront of media excellence, delivering exceptional value and results for our clients.

Responsibilities

Strategic Media Planning

• Develop Media Strategies: Create comprehensive media strategies that align with clients' marketing objectives and brand goals. Utilise data and insights to craft effective media plans.
• Channel Selection: Identify and recommend the most suitable media channels (e.g., digital, print, TV, radio) to achieve campaign goals and reach target audiences effectively.
• Budget Management: Oversee media budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and maximizing return on investment. Monitor and control expenditures to stay within budget.

Team Leadership & Management

• Team Oversight: Lead and mentor a team of media planners, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality planning and execution.
• Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance reviews, set goals, and provide feedback to team members to foster professional development and growth.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including creative, strategy, and account management, to ensure media plans are integrated with overall campaign strategies.

Client Management

• Client Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding media planning and strategy. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and objectives.
• Presentation and Reporting: Prepare and deliver media presentations, reports, and recommendations to clients. Provide regular updates on campaign performance and suggest optimisations as needed.

Campaign Execution & Optimisation

• Implementation Oversight: Oversee the execution of media plans, ensuring that all placements are made according to the approved strategy and schedule.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor campaign performance, analyse results, and make data-driven recommendations for optimization and improvement.
• Problem Resolution: Address and resolve any issues that arise during campaign execution, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction.

Market Research & Insights

• Conduct Research: Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and audience behaviours. Utilize research to inform media strategies and adapt to changing market dynamics.
• Competitive Analysis: Analyse competitors’ media activities to identify opportunities and threats and adjust strategies accordingly.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay up to date on industry trends and advancements.
• Lead and actively participate in team meetings and share ideas and feedback.

WHS (Work, Health & Safety)

• It’s on you to ensure your work environment is safe, whether you’re WFH or in the office. 
• Follow and ensure your team follows company policies and procedures.

About You

Personal Specifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Advertising, Media Studies, or a related field. Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., media planning) is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media planning and buying, with at least 2-3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop and execute effective media strategies.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and mentoring a team.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present and articulate ideas clearly.
• Budget Management: Experience in managing media budgets and optimising expenditures.
• Innovative: Creative and forward-thinking with a passion for exploring new media opportunities and trends.
• Client-Focused: Dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and building lasting relationships.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• Collaborative: Strong team player with the ability to work effectively across departments and with clients.

Values

• Proactivity. Humility. Agility. Daring. Don’t worry, we dive into these in your welcome pack.

Development

• Regular appraisals and 360 feedback is important. 
• So too is being able to check in with management whenever. Their doors are always open, Zoom links always ready.

The Perks

There are a whole range of reasons you would consider working for us – check out the list below:

- Competitive salary - Individual Professional development

- Regular appraisals and 360 feedback  - Hybrid working

- Client sponsored benefits - Progressive parental leave policies

- Floating leave - Pet friendly environment